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Metals Used in Jewelry

Jewelry is now constructed from a
wide variety of metals which vary greatly in price, strength and a number of
other attributes. Each of these metals requires differing amounts of maintenance
will vary in weight and may even cause allergic reactions. With a quick overview
of each metal you can determine if the metal is suitable for your application
and ensure you're paying a reasonable price.

Gold for Jewelry

Gold is available in a number of
colors and carats. Pure gold is not suitable for use in jewelry, it is simply
too soft to safely hold your precious stones. The carat rating of gold refers to
its purity. The higher the carat rating the more pure the gold is. The other
metals are added to improve strength and luster of the gold. By changing the
other metals mixed into the gold we can change the color of the resulting mix.
Gold is available in white, rose, lime, red and bronze colors as well as various
combinations of colors. For the moment yellow and white gold are the most
popular colors. Gold is relatively easy to keep clean, it doesn't tarnish like
silver. It is usually the metals added to gold which cause the loss of shine and
subsequent need for cleaning. The higher the carat rating of gold the less often
your jewelry will require cleaning.

Gold Jewelry

Higher carat Gold jewelry is suitable
in just about every application because it retains is shine and appearance with
relatively little maintenance. Gold jewelry will also fade in color over
time.

Silver for Jewelry

Pure silver is too soft to be used in
jewelry. Pure silver will also tarnish very quickly requiring a lot of
maintenance. Silver is usually available as 92.5% pure silver alloy referred to
as sterling silver. Other metals are added to improve strength, luster and
reduce tarnishing.

Silver Jewelry

The oils in your skin, moisture in
the air and other factors contribute to tarnish. If you live in a particularly
humid climate you may be wise to purchase other metals like gold. Sterling
silver jewelry is best purchased for occasional use. Sterling silver will also
fade over time although some prefer the aged and vintage appearance of older
sterling silver pieces.

Titanium for Jewelry

Easily the strongest of all metals
used in jewelry. Titanium is available in a number of colors dependent upon the
anodizing process used to create the piece. Titanium is very low maintenance and
robust and will outlast all other types of jewelry. Titanium is also extremely
light. These reasons combine to make it very popular among new types of jewelry.
Unfortunately it is still quite expensive due mostly to the processes required
to produce titanium jewelry.

Titanium Jewelry

Providing your budget affords it just
about any time. Titanium contains no nickel, the metal responsible for jewelry
allergies and is available in a number of finishes. Titanium jewelry will not
fade in color.

Platinum for Jewelry

Platinum is white in appearance and
compliments diamonds particularly well. Platinum is a very dense and strong
metal. Platinum jewelry will easily outlast gold and silver pieces but it will
be much heavier than titanium jewelry. Platinum jewelry is usually 95% pure
platinum with other metals added to improve the shine and luster of the final
piece. Platinum jewelry is usually marked with a number between 800 and 1000.
This number correlates to the percentage of platinum used in the metal with 800
being 95% and 1000 being 100%. Pieces with a rating of 95% and higher are often
simply referred to as 'platinum'.

Platinum Jewelry

Platinum is a precious metal and very
rare which is why it is considered a prestige option. Providing your budget can
afford it and you like its color it is more desirable than gold and silver and
will also require less maintenance. It is heavier than other metals but some
prefer the weightier feeling. Platinum jewelry will not fade in
color.

Stainless Steel for Jewelry

Stainless steel jewelry is slightly
similar in appearance to silver. It is harder than silver and will not tarnish
which is why it is increasingly used in jewelry. White gold and sterling silver
pieces often contain a metal called 'nickel' which can cause allergic reactions
in some people. Stainless jewelry can be (but is not always) made without nickel
making it suitable for those allergic to nickel. Depending upon the shape and
type of jewelry stainless steel may be more difficult and hence more expensive
than a corresponding piece of silver jewelry. Stainless jewelry does not have
the same luster or shine as other metals but some prefer its slightly more
metallic appearance and it is particularly popular amongst men. Stainless steel
jewelry is more jewelry than gold and silver pieces and will not tarnish or rust
as easily.

Stainless Steel Jewelry

If you like the metallic finish and
require a robust piece of jewelry capable of withstanding moisture without
tarnish or corrosion then stainless steel is a very affordable and wise option.
It is not used in finer pieces with more precious gemstones simply because it is
not considered as desirable as platinum, gold and other precious
metals.

Tungsten for Jewelry

Tungsten jewelry is also often
referred to as 'Tungsten Carbide' but you should pay special attention to ensure
the tungsten jewelry you are purchasing is actually 'Tungsten Carbide'. Tungsten
Carbide is compound of Tungsten and Carbon which results in a metal which is
significantly hard than just Tungsten. How hard is Tungsten Carbide? Well just
about the only thing capable of scratching Tungsten Carbide is Diamond. Tungsten
which has been polished will never need to be polished again and will be next to
impossible to scratch. Tungsten is 4 times hard than any other metal currently
used to manufacture jewelry and so it will outlast jest about everything.
Tungsten is quite heavy and only available in a grey 'carbon like' color which
is popular amongst men. Due to the expensive manufacturing processes there is
currently very little Tungsten jewelry to choose from. The majority of Tungsten
jewelry available today is designed for men and usually only available as
wedding rings.

Tungsten Jewelry

Looking for something which will look
new and won't scratch for the remainder of your lifetime? If you like its color,
have found something in the limited range available and your budget permits
Tungsten is a great choice. A number of pendants and charms and even bracelets
are now available in Tungsten with more styles and designs entering the market
daily.

Rhodium for Jewelry

Rhodium is the rarest and most
expensive of all metals used in jewelry. Less than 3 tonnes of Rhodium is mined
each year. 24 carat gold jewelry is considered expensive by most people. A
Rhodium piece constructed in exactly the same manner would cost approximately 10
times as much. Rhodium is still commonly used in jewelry but almost entirely as
protective plating on gold and silver pieces. Rhodium is extremely hard, has a
beautiful luster and will virtually eliminate tarnish. Silver jewelry which is
plated in Rhodium is often referred to as 'anti-tarnish' silver. Jewelry which
has Rhodium plating will appear brighter and last longer in a better condition
than an equivalent piece. Rhodium finishing is relatively common and now quite
affordable. The only downside to Rhodium plating is that is usually only
available on White Gold and Silver pieces due to its white
appearance.

Which metal to buy?

If you're simply looking for a casual
costume or fashion piece of jewelry which will not be worn very often you can
choose almost entirely on appearance. If you're looking for something which can
be worn every day and will retain is shine and luster the more expensive
platinum or the less expensive stainless steel, tungsten and titanium options
will suit you. Choose between these metals depending upon the weight and color
you prefer. If you simply can't resist the shine and luster of gold and silver
just ensure you properly store and clean your jewelry as soon as it loses its
shine or begins to tarnish. If the option is available and you don't mind the
whiter appearance always go for a Rhodium finish.